THE sign on the way into Cricklade says it is a Saxon town but you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into the Wild West.

Yesterday the streets were transformed for some rootin' tootin fun at the Cricklade Town Festival.

The Wild West theme brought out the good, but not the bad or the ugly as everyone enjoyed the day.

Town festival committee chairman Nigel Wynne said: "We're really, really happy, we had great weather and everyone came out.

"We seem to be hitting the right buttons and it's getting better each year.

"There's been lots of noise, lots of shouting and lots of fun for the kids."

The crowds were entertained by gunslinging lawmen, frill-clad Can-Can girls, a bucking bronco and lots more.

It was the second year the town has held the festival in a single-day format, having previously staged it over a whole week.

Hayley Sales, 27, of Parsonage Farm Close, Cricklade, was there with her daughter Hilda and husband Ben.

"It's been a fantastic day," he said.

"The weather has been lovely and there's lots for the kids to do.

"Everyone seems to have really enjoyed it. I have lived in Cricklade for 22 years so I'm always here and every year it seems to get better."

During the day there was street entertainment from Cricklade resident Tony M, the Cameo dancers were kicking up their heels, Alex Loredo pulled in the crowds with his lasso act, and Red n' Randy mingled with the visitors, causing mayhem.

The Bristol Law Men were also performing Wild West re-enactments.

Sheriff Tony Capaldi said: "We have had a really good audience and I must say the organisers have been extremely helpful.

"Everyone has had a wonderful day."

Babbett Fossett and Juliana Austen were dressed up as cowgirls for the day.

Juliana said: "It's been a wonderful day. We have enjoyed every moment of it. There weather was great and everyone was smiling."

Debbie Wear, from Swindon, took her five-year-old son Jacob to see what it was all about.

"It was good," she said.

"Mr friend told me about it so that's why we went and it was a very nice local event and the kids loved it."

Last year's festival had a medieval theme and Nigel said: "We don't know about next year yet, we will have to think of something."